In many high schools across the country, marching bands are a large contributor to school spirit, however some schools break from this tradition, opting for a pep band.
Pep bands are stationary groups, remaining in the same spot and playing music intended to rally up crowds. On the other hand, marching bands perform choreographed routines. The events these groups play at often overlap, explaining why many don’t know the difference between the two.
“I feel like it does take away from some of the traditional aspects of high school [not having a marching band],” said senior Gemma Paolilli.
Pep bands have proven to be cheaper than marching bands, fitting the Regional’s budget. They also require less time for rehearsals and fewer scheduling arrangements.
“I definitely think marching band is pricey and out of our budget for this school,” said freshman Lynnea Therese Dacanay.
According to the Music Department Head at Wachusett, Ms. Derkazarian, “The pep band costs around $100 per year to run and the marching band would be upwards of $100,000 to start (that’s a conservative estimate).”
Marching bands require a significant amount of investments in uniforms, instruments and transportation to competitions and events, which can be a financial issue.
Unlike many schools in Massachusetts, such as Leominster High School, Shrewsbury High School, and Danvers High School, Wachusett has yet to establish a marching band. But, this absence may be intentional.
“I feel like our pep band is efficient,” says junior Malachi Gorham
The existing band programs already have a large student population and serve the needs of school events, adding a marching band could add unnecessary, complicated scheduling.
Composed of 45 students, the pep band plays at every home football game as well as community events, namely The Holden Tree Lighting.
“We have so many bands already,” said Music teacher and Band Director Jared Bloch, “everything is running smoothly. A marching band may further divide resources.”
Student interest also plays an important role. Students report having too much on their hands to be able to commit to joining a marching band.
“I’d love to be in a marching band if I wasn’t restrained by time,” said junior Malachi Gorham
While the idea of a marching band brings a new layer of excitement for some, others see the pep band as a practical alternative that still brings school spirit to events.
“I feel like our school could be more well-known and exciting if we added a marching band,” said sophomore Ben Larrobino.
Other students and staff believe the current state of the school bands is just fine, keeping the crowd alive with music without marching.
“The pep band’s music adds to the FNL (Friday Night Lights) environment,” said senior Mariana Munzert.
“I think that students enjoy how pep bands are now,” said Jared Bloch. “Pep bands add just as much excitement to football games as marching bands do.”
For now, our school keeps the beat moving, without the march.
